The Woman in Command (1933)

Synopsis
by Hal Erickson

The Woman in Command in this well-appointed British musical is vaudeville star Maisie Marvello, played by Cicely Courtenedge. Born into a theatrical family that dates back to the 16th century, Maisie has every intention of carrying on the tradition into the 1930s, even though money is in short supply. The heroine's specialty is a Vesta Tillie-style male impersonation, which gives an added dimension to Maisie's on-and-off romance with effeminate stage manager Sebastian (Edward Everett Horton). The secondary romantic interest is handled by Anthony Bushell (later a prominent producer-director) and Dorothy Hyson. Woman in Command was co-scripted by Courtenedge's husband and frequent co-star Jack Hulbert.